A Little Beat of This

Thanks to a sound savvy group of friends and an obsession with music since I was three, I've got a little bit of a crush on sounds and beats and rhythm.

[alittlebeatofthis]

Jose Gonzalez Returns with First New Song in 5 Years

And to make matters even more delightful, it’s his first Spanish-language single! 

Speaking on why he finally released a song in Spanish, Gonzalez credits his daughter as both the help and inspiration: “I guess talking to Laura in Spanish every day helped. I started writing ‘El Invento’ around 2017 when she was born. The song is about the questions—who we are, where we’re going and why? Whom can we thank for our existence? Historically, most traditions have invented answers to these questions. Thereof the name of the song: The Invention (god).”

Watch his corresponding video for “El Invento” above and enjoy!

[alittlebeatofthis]

Just like LOONY, I like people, experiences, and music real & raw. 

Canadian crooner LOONY released “raw” last week following an announcement that a full EP is in the works. Besides the obvious fact that LOONY’s voice is ethereal, she really shines in this track because of the beauty in her lyrics: “I love you most in the daylight // see you for all you are // I just want you raw.”

Being truly seen is both the scariest and best thing that can happen between two people. That vulnerability can be terrifying, but is also the secret to deeper connection, so to have someone say, as she does, “I need you for who you are” is freedom from that fear. 

[alittlebeatofthis]

1:07 if you need to get goin’ 

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Welcome to 2021 ~

Ahh, how I’ve missed this. After taking a year off from blogging, I’ve rebooted alittlebeatofthis.com. Music has always been my first love, and I’m excited to introduce more new artists, tracks and albums to you. Without further ado, let’s talk about my current favorite artist Gabriel Garzón-Montano.

Garzón-Montano is a multi-instrumentalist based in NYC, first gaining recognition when he opened for Lenny Kravitz’ world tour in 2014. Following that momentum, he debuted his first album Jarin in 2017 and has continued to refine his sound.

I learned of him this past year with his October 2020 release of Agüita. Unlike his previous work utilizing funk and R&B, this sophomore album plays with a plethora of sounds and can’t be cramped into a specific genre. Instead, its strength lies in its musical variety and Garzón-Montano’s buttery vocals. Sometimes you’ll hear him crooning out a guitar-led ballad, like on “Bloom,” but other times he turns up his swag on reggaton tracks like “Muñeca.” You really can’t compartmentalize him, but you will enjoy everything he creates.  

If you’re craving a vocalist who can play all sides, take a listen to Agüita. 

[alittlebeatofthis]

Happy Almost 2020 ~

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Polo & Pan

Saw these two last night and can easily say it was one of the best shows I’ve seen. If you don’t know ‘em, get to know ‘em. 

This whole album is supreme ~

[alittlebeatofthis]

Kanye West, man of religion, has released JESUS IS KING. He’s been working up to this sanctuary since Yeezus, with peaks of prayer seen in his Sunday Services, but West’s latest album is the full congregation come together.

Overall it’s a solid album -- consistent and enjoyable. The texture of harmonies, beats, and of course the Sunday Service Choir is electric. I find I keep coming back to the album -- both because it’s a pleasurable revisit and it’s relatively short. But mostly I come back because of two standouts: “On God” and “Use This Gospel.”

The former shines in the instrumental with a powerful repeat of synths. The latter features Clipse - their first time together on an album in ten years - and Kenny G on the sax. 

But despite these features (on top of Ty Dolla $ign and others), the album has received mixed reviews, mostly with complaints on the poetry -- something West has always perfected. Where I can agree is that it’s no Life of Pablo, but it’s well done and innovative,  and ten steps ahead of Ye.

[alittlebeatofthis]

I just wanna dance.

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Have never related to a song more than I do to this one. 

[alittlebeatofthis]

Frank Ocean Previews New Songs "Dear April" & "Cayendo"

Frank Ocean has had a busy week. On Thursday, he hosted a PrEP+ club night in New York, where he debuted new music. And yesterday, after addressing some criticisms of the event on Tumblr, Pitchfork reports that he officially announced two new songs. Listings for the vinyl releases of two 7" singles, "Dear April" and "Cayendo," popped up on Ocean's Blonded website yesterday. Both are $15 and ship in 8-12 weeks. And the listings feature footage of Justice and Sango playing remixes of the tracks at his PrEP+ club night. Ocean has also added new merch to his website, including PrEP+ t-shirts. Preview "Dear April" and "Cayendo" by watching the remix clips below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnKSQM18lHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ-72QFQ990

[alittlebeatofthis]

New album Asylum from A R I Z O N A. Check it out ~~

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LISTEN

Toronto’s MorMor shares new track “Won’t Let You.”

With Prince-esque vocals and a mix of synth and harmonies, this track glides easily into rhythm and lifts ya up! Take a listen ~~

[willyverse]

CLAN SS18

Ph. William Ukoh

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Me, this weekend.

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Cashmere Cat is back with new music, most notably his new track “For Your Eyes Only.”

Despite being one of the biggest producers today, Cashmere Cat is a shy guy who tends to let his music do the talking. Easily one to avoid a public persona, Cashmere Cat has created an alter ego of sorts in the form of Princess Catgirl (above) who embodies the high-pitched voice in the track.

Like his alter ego, Cashmere Cat’s new album is named the same and is expected to make a big arrival soon. Tune in to this glitchy track and keep your ears open for his new album ~~

[alittlebeatofthis]

Know I'm a few months late, but holy shit. Flume is a mastermind and Hannah Reid’s voice is ethereal ~~~

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New Tycho remix for ya to start the weekend off ~~

[alittlebeatofthis]

This girl is my new obsession.

Tones and I, stage name for Toni Watson, is a singer-songwriter from Australia who just released her first EP The Kids Are Coming on August 30. 

Watson learned how to play the keyboard and drums in high school, always with the dream to perform. In 2018 she moved to Byron Bay and became a popular busker before gaining notoriety and releasing her first track “Johnny Run Away.” Her growth is largely due to Triple J’s exposure of her track.

Of becoming a professional artist, Watson said on stage at this past summer’s Splendour in the Grass that at last year’s fest, she was in the crowd and turned to her friends saying “I’m gonna play here one day.” And here she is.